A rare amber weather warning for extreme heat has come into effect across a significant portion of the UK today, with temperatures predicted to soar to 38C (100F). Today marks the peak of the UK's fifth widespread heatwave this year, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-30s Celsius across the warning area.
The amber warning is active from 09:00 BST until 23:59 BST across Eastern England, London and the south-east, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire and Humber. This runs concurrently with amber heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the entirety of England, which are in force until 21:00 BST on Friday, 14 August.
These health alerts warn of potential significant impacts on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among individuals aged 65 and over or those with existing health conditions. The intense heat could also lead to power cuts, as well as delays in rail and air travel.
The current heatwave is expected to be short-lived, lasting a maximum of two or three days, with temperatures anticipated to fall by the weekend. However, even at their lowest, temperatures are likely to remain average or slightly above average for mid-August.